Which scope?

[panteramatt 27]

Im looking for a scope to use on a variety of my rifles but mainly my AR. Looking for a 4-12 magnification and dont wanna go over $150. Im looking at Nikon buckmaster ii and prostaff, and vortex diamondback and crossfire ii. Any recommendations between these or any other suggestions?

[ChrisJM981 924]

Are you looking for one scope to move from rifle to rifle, or just want to buy a bunch of the same model?

[panteramatt 27]

One scope primarily. IT will probally stay on my AR but might mount it to a couple others when they go to the range. 

[Shortfuse 39]

Bushnell AR223

[ChrisJM981 924]

One scope primarily. IT will probally stay on my AR but might mount it to a couple others when they go to the range.

Unfortunately you would have to zero in the scope each time you move it from one rifle to another.

[Vlad G 345]

You really should match a scope to the firearm, set it up for it, and leave it alone.

 

I know this is not the questions you asked, but I feel like I need to brings this up.  The general rule of thumb that your optics and mounts should cost about as much as the firearm is true. I know that is not in the budget you are asking about and there is nothing wrong with buying some cheap optics to screw around and learn what is important to you, but you should keep it in mind as you shop for additional optics later on. Quality optics are just as much of an investment as the firearm itself and many of the better optics have better warranties then the firearms they live on. There are now many excelent optic options in the $300-$800 range. 

 

Again, I know that is not what you are asking, and I've been down the path you are going and I can't blame you. I'm just offering the benefit of my experience. I'm a cheap bastard, and I've discovered I'm better served by acquiring the better items the first time around, its cheaper.

[fatty 241]

have you considered the diamondback HP series? 

[sroc112 24]

Subscribed

[Malice4you 627]

I've got a Nikon 2-7x32, 4-12x40, 4.5-14x40, and 6-18x40.  The 4-12x40 I have is the rimfire version.  The 2-7 and 4-12 aren't the same level of glass as the more expensive 4.5-14 and 6-18 I have, but they are pretty decent for the price.  I have had no problems with them.  They have all held zero over hundreds/thousands of rounds.  The 2-7 and 4-12 have a little chromatic aberration, though nowhere near that of the $50 glass I've used.  It is noticeable when used side-by-side with better glass, but most people probably wouldn't even notice it if not pointed out.  In general, I'd say the cheap Nikons do hit above their weight class.

 

I'd suggest the Nikons.  I'll be buying other Nikons in the future.

 

If you do go with the Nikons, make sure you're not getting the rimfire version - it is usually the cheaper option.  They do make a few different 4-12s.  And do make sure you do research on the crosshair type - Nikon has 2-3 different styles of crosshairs on many of their scopes. 

[Zeke 5,504]

Sweet .223?